Weekend read: the ‘next big thing’
The PV industry in Southeast Asia has come a long way since guest author Ragna Schmidt-Haupt, partner at Everoze, reported on solar financing innovation in the region more than a decade ago. In this article, she outlines five factors for success, the newest of which has the potential to become a game changer, and not only in Southeast Asia.
South Australia moves to fast-track big battery developments
The South Australian government is looking to fast-track the development of grid-scale battery energy storage systems across the state, launching a process that promises to provide successful projects with exemptions that could “significantly” improve project timelines.
Quinbrook introduces energy tracing into portfolio as Australia hesitates on granular certificate scheme
Renewable energy investor and developer Quinbrook has launched software to allow customers to trace both the source and carbon-intensity of their electricity in real-time. The energy-tracing platform comes at an important moment, just as Australia’s government is deciding whether to include time-stamped and granular source information in its formal certificate schemes.
ARENA doles out record funding as Australia’s renewable schemes ramp up
The Commonwealth government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) approved record funds in FY22/23, allocating $544.1 million (USD 345 million) to 60 projects in the year.
NSW targets 3,000 GWh of renewable generation in latest tender round
New South Wales will be seeking 3,000 GWh of annual generation in the latest tender aimed at delivering new wind and solar generation and storage facilities as the state transforms its coal-reliant energy system.
Spain rockets to fourth in global utility-scale solar listing
Spain recorded more than 20 GW of installed solar capacity at the end of last year, according to recently published data from Wiki-Solar. The website’s founder claims that the country is becoming a PV powerhouse as utility-scale developers increasingly roll out projects.
Revived SEC targets 4.5 GW of renewable generation and storage
Victoria’s State Electricity Commission is officially back as an active energy market participant with the state government revealing the publicly owned enterprise will invest an initial $1 billion (USD 630 million) to help fast-track the delivery of 4.5 GW of new renewable energy and storage projects.
Queensland to legislate public ownership of energy assets, renewables targets
Queensland’s transition from a reliance on coal-fired power to renewables has taken a step forward with the state government tabling a new bill in parliament that locks in its commitments to public ownership in the energy system and renewable energy targets.
Albanese announces $2 billion boost to critical mineral financing
The Australian government has doubled the amount of federal financing available for critical minerals projects to $4 billion (USD 2.56 billion) as it looks to shore up supply chains with the United States, deliver on emissions reduction targets, and build clean energy industries.
Hysata to join Prime Minister in US to explore IRA opportunities
Leaders from Australian hydrogen startup Hysata are joining Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his four-day visit to the US to meet President Joe Biden. Hysata is commercialising a hydrogen electrolysis breakthrough that claims to improve efficiency by 20%.
